Former Wrestler Sammy Sasso Faces Charges After Guns and THC Vape Pens Found in Vehicle
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Former collegiate wrestler Sammy Sasso was charged with firearms offenses after police discovered several firearms and THC vape pens in his vehicle during a traffic stop in Pennsylvania.The incident occurred after Sasso was pulled over for an expired vehicle registration. He has been accepted into pennsylvania’s Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) programme, a diversionary program for first-time offenders.
Incident Details
on an unspecified date, authorities conducted a traffic stop on Sasso due to an expired vehicle registration. During the stop, police discovered four handguns and THC vape pens inside his vehicle. According to Northampton County District Attorney Terry Baratta, Sasso instantly admitted to having a handgun stored in the car’s cabin, with additional firearms located in a backpack in the trunk, several of which were secured in plastic gun cases. https://www.lehighvalleylive.com/easton/2024/09/former-lehigh-wrestling-coach-sammy-sasso-charged-with-gun-violations-after-traffic-stop.html
Baratta stated that Sasso had recently relocated from Ohio to Pennsylvania and had not yet fully emptied his belongings from the vehicle. The firearms were legally owned by Sasso and were not used in the commission of a crime or displayed in a threatening manner.
Charges and ARD Program
Sasso was charged with firearms possessed without a license (for concealed carry), which are misdemeanor offenses in Pennsylvania. https://www.lehighvalleylive.com/easton/2024/09/former-lehigh-wrestling-coach-sammy-sasso-charged-with-gun-violations-after-traffic-stop.html
The Northampton county District Attorney’s office has accepted Sasso into the ARD program. this program allows first-time offenders to avoid a criminal record if they successfully complete a period of supervision and adhere to specific conditions set by the court. Baratta explained that ARD is a common resolution for cases involving legally owned weapons that are not used in criminal activity.
Background
Sammy Sasso is a former wrestler who competed for Narazeth High School and Ohio State University. He most recently served as a coach at Lehigh University, but was terminated from his position. The reasons for his dismissal from Lehigh were not detailed in reports regarding the firearms charges.
Key Takeaways
* Former wrestler Sammy Sasso was charged with firearms offenses after a traffic stop.
* Police found four legally owned handguns and THC vape pens in his vehicle.
* Sasso has been accepted into Pennsylvania’s ARD program,offering a path to avoid a criminal record.
* Sasso had no prior criminal record.
This case highlights the complexities surrounding firearm ownership and legal compliance, particularly when individuals relocate between states with differing gun laws. Successful completion of the ARD program will allow Sasso to move forward without a criminal conviction.